Verizon Strongly Supports Internet Freedom & Broadband Deployment Act of 2001

BACKGROUND - Congressmen Billy Tauzin (R-La.) and John Dingell (D-Mich.) introduced legislation today that would encourage competition and consumer access to broadband Internet technology. The following response should be attributed to Ed Young, senior vice president for International and Federal Public Policy at Verizon.

"Verizon vigorously supports the bipartisan bill introduced today by Representatives Billy Tauzin and John Dingell.

"Consumers everywhere want faster and higher quality Internet services. Current regulatory barriers stand in the way of delivering those services to all Americans. The Tauzin-Dingell bill will clear away the regulatory roadblocks that inhibit investment and pave the way for vigorous competition on the information superhighway.

"One clear lesson we've learned over the past few years is that high-speed Internet service isn't just a better connection to the internet, it is necessary for the whole economy to continue to grow. High-speed Internet services will allow businesses to operate more efficiently transmitting data at the speed of light. Consumers will benefit from this efficiency in the form of more competitive prices and faster delivery of goods and services. Not only will consumers win, but small and medium-sized businesses also benefit greatly from deployment of high-speed services.

"Public policies such as those espoused in this legislation will lead to more choices in the marketplace and a healthier, stronger economy. America always has led the world in technology and, as long as we have a free market, we always will."

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